Shrouded in enigma and speculation, the identity of this distinguished young clergyman, along with the painting’s artist, remains a mystery. What we do know is, that thanks to the attentions of our restorer, this fine example of 18th century portraiture can now be enjoyed for generations to come.
Believed to have been completed around the mid-1800s, the painting’s subject has been variously identified as English theologian Charles Burton (1793-1866), as well as Reverend Robert Cartwright (1771-1856), an ecclesiastical emigrant to Australia, noted as being instrumental in the early religious life of the Colony of New South Wales.
Darkened throughout the decades by soot, smoke and grime and incurring many scrapes, damaging the surface of the painting, the portrait required a thorough clean and careful retouching. Having completed the cleaning process, the original tones and blends of the painting were expertly matched by our restorer, resulting in a flawless finish.
The unknown gentleman, once damaged, obscured and vanishing, has been brought back into the present, revealing a softly lit and fondly rendered character, looking out at the viewer with a warm, tranquil expression.
